By Zev Black
Mail

The two most recent IFL champions met in a highly anticipated matchup as the Arizona Rattlers (4-2) traveled to Sin City to take on the Vegas Knight Hawks (5-1). However, the old saying, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” might ring true for Rattlers Head Coach Kevin Guy as they never found their defensive rhythm in the 56-42 loss. 

Arizona got on the board first after RB Ron Brown Jr. found paydirt. However, Vegas RB Josh Tomas answered right back with a rushing touchdown of his own.

On the ensuing drive, the Rattlers looked to be in prime position to regain the lead when QB Max Meylor found RB Kymani Clarke in the end zone. However, this was nullified by a questionable offensive pass interference call. 

This pushed the offense back and forced a field goal attempt, which was unsuccessful because of a low snap. 

From there, Vegas controlled most of the game.

Even when Arizona recovered an onside kick after tying the score at 14 midway through the second quarter, Meylor failed to capitalize, missing a wide open Corey Reed Jr. downfield. Vegas took over at the 13-yard line and QB Jayden DeLaura used his speed to find the end zone, giving his team a 21-14 lead.

Later in the quarter with the Knight Hawks leading 28-21, Rattlers kicker Matthew Cook lined up for a 35-yard field goal attempt. The kick was blocked because of yet another low snap. Vegas took that lead into the half.

Arizona then tried their luck again with an onside kick to start the second half, but Vegas was ready for it. Two plays later, Tomas ran it in to give his team a 35-21 lead.

Meylor took control of the offense on the next drive, which resulted in him calling his own number for the score, 35-28.

However, this was short-lived as Tomas took the ensuing kickoff to the house. This was his third score of the game and gave Vegas a 42-28 lead.

Later in the fourth quarter, Meylor found Trey Odoms-Dukes in the back corner of the end zone. He juggled the ball before ultimately coming down with it for the score, bringing the Rattlers to within seven at 49-42.

Vegas Head Coach Mike Davis challenged the call, saying the ball hit the boards before Odoms-Dukes gained full possession.

The Rattlers sideline didn’t take kindly to the moment as tempers flared and a brief scuffle broke out along the wall, with both coaching staffs getting into it. Ultimately, Reed Jr. and Vegas DL Aaron Faumui were both ejected from the game.

A couple drives later, Meylor took a desperation shot downfield on 4th-and-3. Vegas DB Fred Flavors was all over the receiver, appearing to make early contact and bringing him down, but no flag was thrown.

The turnover on downs led to a touchdown pass to WR Deshon Stoudemire, giving the Knight Hawks a 56-42 lead. Clifton Duck then intercepted Meylor in the end zone and the game was over.

The Rattlers return to Glendale next week for a Mother’s Day matchup against the Tucson Sugar Skulls (2-4). Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at Desert Diamond Arena with the game streamed on the Yahoo! Sports Network.